By MLM
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Teachers have challenged Katribu to work for indigenous peoples’ (IPs) culture and history appreciation and promotion in the curriculum. This was posed to Beverly Longid, Katribu partylist first nominee at a fund raising dinner for the party last month.

The challenge was first posed by Dean Dr Willy Alangui of the College of Sciences of the University of the Philippines-Baguio. He said there are plenty of misconceptions and historical distortions regarding IPs that need to be corrected. It is about time to institutionalize an appreciation of the achievements and contributions of the IPs in the country thru the curriculum starting from the grade schools.

The travesty and injustice against the IPs must be rectified and focus should be placed on the bravery exemplified by the IPs in fighting off colonizers and keeping their heartland unmolested. The unique culture and traditions of the IPs including the now eroding practices of appropriate technology should also be cultivated and allowed to flower.

Appropriate technology and practices like building rice terraces, using rivers to irrigate farms without building megadams, seeds propagation and stockpiling, watersheds management, community self-help methods and the like should be broadcast to a wider audience. it was pointed out that the best way to do this is through the schools.

It is a sad state of affairs that there are a lot of suggestions from teachers on values formation, apro-tech, teaching history from the point of view of the actors and not the conquerors that do not get the attention it deserves. Principal Ligaya Annawi, seconded the suggestion of Dean Allangui and asked Katribu to write legislation that will incorporate teaching IP culture and history from the point of view of the IPs themselves.

She noted that as an IP and a woman, Longid can work for the protection and appreciation of indigenous peoples’ culture and history and the protection of women and children. These are marginalized sectors that need protection the most.
The Pinikpikan fund raising dinner was attended by friends and supporters of Katribu including some politicians of Baguio.#nordis.net